Photo by Victoria House
Belize is one of the smallest nations in both Central America and the Caribbean, but this idyllic tropical nation certainly isn’t lacking in things to see or do. From the 180 miles long Belize Barrier Reef off of the country’s eastern coast to the rich and verdant jungles of the western Cayo District, this is a country that’s rich in natural beauty, and the variety of settlements, cultures, and traditions are both surprisingly broad and well worth encountering. Of course, where you choose to stay can have a huge impact on the quality of your experience. In no particular order, here are our top five favorite hotels in Belize with a focus on spotlighting both the most popular destinations and some of the best-hidden gems.
Chabil Mar, Placencia
Beautiful Views of the Beautiful Sea
“Chabil Mar” translates into the indigenous Mayan language as “Beautiful Sea”, a fitting name when you consider Placencia’s abundance of beaches and proximity to some of the best marine reserves in the Caribbean Sea. But the resort of Chabil Mar is special in its own right. It’s the region’s only guest-exclusive resort, and that means that guests have private access to 400 feet of pristine beach in addition to the wealth of amenities. A roaming butler offers all of the services you could want without being intrusive, and the resort’s Chefs, Savino and Ryan, offer a creative and playful approach to local cuisine that can be served practically anywhere on the property.
Victoria House, Ambergris Caye
An Institution on Belize’s Most Popular Island
The fact that Ambergris Caye is the largest Belizean island and less than a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef has made it into the most popular — and most expensive — a destination in the country. That means that this 25-mile island is crowded with resorts trying to gain your attention, but none can match the charm of Victoria House. They offer a level of privacy and comfort that’s sometimes rare to find on this crowded island, but they’re strategically positioned near the hub town of San Pedro so you can easily set off on whatever adventurers you’d like to pursue on the waters or the mainland.
Turtle Inn, Placencia
Your Private Beach Vacation, Directed by the Coppolas
If you’re looking for a way to escape the banality of ordinary life but still want to be near the heart of culture in Belize, there’s no better choice than Turtle Inn. Private villas of varying sizes can perfectly accommodate everyone from couples to families while offering a level of seclusion from the surrounding tourism industry. Despite that, the resort is situated between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the major fishing town of Placencia Village while being only minutes away from the airstrip. If you want to explore both the jungle and the sea, this hotel curated by acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola and his family is ideal.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel, San Ignacio Town
A Place of Respite at the Gateway to Belize’s Wild Frontier
While the beaches and islands of the Caribbean tend to be centered in tourism brochures about Belize, the wild Cayo District and its combination of mountains, caves, and jungle is just as spectacular and just as dense with things to explore. San Ignacio is widely regarded as the gateway to the Cayo District, and the San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a local institution that once even hosted Queen Elizabeth II. A family-owned and operated business, San Ignacio Resort Hotel is the perfect place to rest between excursions out into the wild or adventures among the charming twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Be sure to check out the Green Iguana Conservation Project located in the hotel’s lobby.
Black Orchid Resort, Burrel Boom
An Inland Oasis Away From the Tourist Crowds
Most tourists pass right by the small town of Burrell Boom on the way to more popular destinations, but that’s what makes the Black Orchid Resort such a special place. Life moves slower in this small town, but it remains very accessible to both the country’s primary airport and the commercial hub of Belize City. But you wouldn’t recognize that if you weren’t aware in advance. The Black Orchid Resort offers jungle views overlooking the Belize River, but it’s equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect. That includes high-speed wireless internet and a restaurant offering a deft and delicious menu of local and American cuisine.
There is no singular perfect resort in Belize, merely the resort that’s best for you. Whether you’re looking to be pampered on an idyllic island or treat your hotel as a base camp for your adventures inland, there are plenty of comfortable options for you. But no matter which of these five hotels you choose from, you can expect to be treated to five-star service and an experience that’s unique from anything else in the Caribbean.
